Egusi (C. lanatus) is a wild melon, similar in appearance to the watermelon. The flesh is inedible, but the seeds are a valuable food source in Africa. Other species that have the same culinary role, and that are also called egusi include Cucumeropsis mannii and Lagenaria siceraria.
2. alveolitis-inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust; with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic. farmer's lung, thresher's lung-alveolitis caused by an allergic reaction to fungal spores in the dust that is inhaled from moldy hay.
a detergent-like agent that reduces the surface tension of the liquid film covering the inner lining of the pulmonary alveoli. As an alveolus becomes smaller during expiration, the surfactant becomes more concentrated, further reducing the surface tension and preventing alveolar collapse.